Haul Yeah!

Good morning, curious minds!

Today's lineup dives into hidden depths, from Amazon's latest venture to challenging what we thought we knew about human evolution. Prepare for a journey through discovery, innovation, and surprising twists. Let’s jump in!

Here's everything you need to know today:

To shake up bargain-hunting online, Amazon just launched Amazon Haul, a new discount store set to take on Temu and Shein. You've never seen Amazon like this: everything under $20, from a $1 eyelash curler to a $3 nail dryer. Like its rivals, Amazon's mobile app offers "crazy low prices" and emoji-tagged items that scream “selling fast! ”

The twist? All haul items come with Amazon's promise of quality checks and a 15-day return policy. While you might have to wait a bit longer—up to two weeks—for delivery, Amazon has the perks of trust and easy returns. The catch: this launch comes as policymakers scrutinize Chinese imports, meaning ultra-low prices may face future challenges.

It's a big move for Amazon, shifting from their trademark lightning-fast shipping to compete with ultra-discount brands. Can Amazon Haul replace them? Time will tell, but Amazon bets a convenience sprinkle will sweeten the deal.

Growing Up Slowly

It's possible that our ancestors' extended childhoods evolved before larger brains were developed. A team of international scientists analyzed the teeth of a nearly 1.8-million-year-old child fossil from Georgia, which revealed surprisingly long periods of development compared with great apes.

It appears this early Homo species was dependent on adults for an extended period, which may have contributed to social learning and cultural transmission. Rather than implying that large brains and prolonged childhood evolved side by side, this study suggests that the "three-generation structure" of parent-child-grandparent relationships may have influenced brain growth.

Rather than just biology, these ancient teeth suggest extended childhoods and shared knowledge shaped us into complex social beings.

Bye-Bye, Google

With AI reshaping search engines, how we find information online is changing rapidly. AI players like ChatGPT and Google's AI Overviews promise quicker answers with less hassle. With AI-curated summaries of information, users don't have to sift through lists of links. While this sounds ideal for streamlined searches, it has raised questions about depth, discovery, and even the future of the internet.

Diving into various sources built knowledge and context in the old days of search. However, the era of unexpected discoveries may fade as AI tools serve knowledge on a silver platter. Sundar Pichai, Google's CEO, argues that these changes will improve user experience, but skeptics say AI-driven search will lead to a diluted web filled with "pre-digested" content. So, what do you think about this?

Buckle Up!

Have you ever wondered how risky some of America's roads are? You're not alone. Some highways have earned a reputation for danger, from the notorious I-95 corridor to winding stretches of I-5 along the West Coast. Despite all the data and improvements, commuting or traveling along these roads is still dangerous. Traffic, high speeds, and tricky road conditions make certain routes especially hazardous.

Here are the top offenders and what makes them so dangerous - icy stretches in the Midwest or high-traffic areas in cities like Philadelphia and Dallas. We'll also examine how city planners and local governments attempt to make these roads safer (sometimes fail).

💡 Core Wisdom

📸 Lens to Life

Photos From 1898: The Homemade Windmills of Nebraska.

🧮 Core Count: 0

Amount of fat in carrots.

🗓️ Flashback:

1856 - Gail Borden receives a patent for his condensed milk invention.

1896 - The power plant at Niagara Falls begins operation.

1922 - BBC begins daily radio broadcasts from the Marconi House.

I'm glad we could get together here. Looking forward to seeing you tomorrow!

Fatih Taskiran